The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has today welcomed an announcement by the Tasmanian government that it will invest more money into child protection, corrections and the National Disability Scheme (NDS).

The news came on the back of the unveiling of a stimulus package designed to create more jobs and boost the economy.

It included plans to increase spending on child protective services by nearly $36 million and $10 million for corrective services over the next four years. It also promised $6 million towards the NDS.

ACL’s Tasmanian Director Mark Brown has commended the government for its commitment to support the vulnerable and needy.

“We applaud the state government in channeling money to some of the community’s most needy - especially children.

“We have been particularly concerned with the past cuts to child protection on top of significant increases in the number of children in out of home care,” he said.

Mr Brown said that although it is a tough financial environment we must continue to ensure the most vulnerable in our community are prioritised.

“There are many sectors working with the most vulnerable who could do with extra help but this is a step in the right direction,” he said.